[changezi]

Guys, I am thinking to purchase one of these trailers
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=90154
I have never towed anything. I have some basic questions about trailering and would appreciate if you can help.
1) How do you decide how much drop of a receiver is needed?
2) The trailer that I am looking for does not come with any electical connector, it just come with 4 wires. What kind of connector/adapter do I need to connect the wiring to Armada connector?
3) How much am I looking to pay for registration/License plate etc. I live in CA.

thanks in advance.

 

[scr38]

1. You want the trailer to be level when connected. With a trailer this small it probably will require about a 4" drop.

2. You can buy a plug to fit the Armada socket. It is a 7 pin plug, with flat pins. You can find it at auto parts and home improvement stores.

3. I have no idea what it will cost you in California. In Texas that size trailer costs about $45.00 a year.

 

[Cillyone]

Hope this helps

Do you know any one else that has a trailer who you could borrow a hitch to test? SCR38 most likely hit the nail on the head with a 4”. As much as I hate Walmart, they are a great resource for tow/hitch accessories. As far as your choice of trailers; by the time you pay for shipping and California tax I think you would be better off looking for a nice used utility trailer in your local paper or on Craigslist, preferably one with 15” wheels and a welded frame. For decent quality and value BigTex trailers are OK, not the best but adequate. I think you are going to be disappointed with the capability of such a lightweight trailer with such small wheels. Plus that small of a trailer is going to be very difficult to see in your mirrors when backing up. My fold down trailer ramp is nice because you can see where the back of the trailer is when you are backing up even in the middle mirror as well as the sides. California issues permanent trailer plates for utility trailers (no yearly fees or tags!). Can’t tell you how the much the plate cost, I bought a 4 month old 6.5’ x 14’ tandem ($1000 off craigslist) with the plate already on it. If you look in your paper and craigslist everyday you can find a nice trailer for cheap. There are plenty of nice “buyer remorse” trailers out there, you just have to be the first one there with the $.

BTW, what are planning on hauling?

 

[fred_vee]

teeny tiny trailer

Hey, changezi, I understand exactly where you're at. I bought my '04 last year in October, specifically to tow my tent trailer. I didn't think it all the way through and got way too little drop. First trip around the block and the trailer looked real funny...

I started at the question with trial-and-error method, then got smart. Well, at least smartER. Here's how I would do it:

1. Determine trailer height: Measure from the ground to the bottom of the trailer hitch at the ball holder (this piece will be very close to the bottom of the ball - removes the height of the ball from the equation).

2. Determine hitch height: This should be done after the auto-leveling system has had a chance to level the beast where it is sitting - you should start it and let it sit running for a minute or two. You will hear air being vented or the little compressor pumping. If nothing, then you are level. Measure from the ground to the bottom of the empty receiver hole in the hitch - this will tell you about where the bottom of the ball would sit for a completely flat hitch.

3. Subtract one from the other: THis should get you pretty close to the right number. I think that Harbor Freight has receivers, too. If you are like me, you will need at least 3" of drop.

You can go to WalMart for the receiver and wiring. You may need to go to Chief, Kragen, etc. to get the 7-pin to bare wiring connector. I already had a four-pin so I had to search a little for a 4 x 7 adapter.

Get a California Permanent Trailer sticker. It costs a little extra but I am really happy that I no longer have to pay and deal with it every year. Look it up on the DMV web site.

 

[hohmans5]

Believe it or not I have one of those trailers and I use my wife’s Armada to pull it. I have the rapid hitch installed and it claims a 5 3/4” drop. For me it is just about perfect. The trailer runs level and pulls great.

 

[changezi]

Thank you all, Great info.
Cillyone,
These trailers are cheap. They are selling them for $230 for the trailer chassis and $110 for the steel side panels and are availble for pickup at local harbor freight stores. These trailers come with 12" tires. I did check Craigslist but didnt find anything that I wanted. I like the fact that these trailers are foldable so I can probably stow them in my garage and they wont take much space. I need the trailer occasionally for bulky stuff that wont fit in Armada or the dirty stuff that I dont want in. I think you have got a great deal on your trailer but I live in a town home and dont have room to put a full size trailer in. A couple of weeks ago I had to haul a couch from Modesto to bay area and I had to leave my hatch open becuase I had passengers in my truck and the couch was protruding out. I think I will put one of those bike flags at the rear corner of the trailer for visibility. Or I guess I can rent a trailer at the local U haul.
Fed vee,
Thank for great tips. I did find a 7-4 adapter at Wallmart but I think I will need a 4 way bare wire connector. I believe I will need a crimping tool but I am not sure. I also bought locking hitch pin and another lock for trailer from wall Mart. Looks like I am getting hang of it

 

[Cillyone]

I understand

Given your constraints and requirements I can see why the trailer is attractive to you now. I saw where you said you were new to towing and I wanted to mention that there were other avenues to explore. One word about backing a trailer up if you have not done so before; hold your hand on the bottom of the steering wheel and if you want the trailer to go left move your hand to the left. And spend a few minutes in an empty parking lot and try to back it into a space, it is hard a first but with practice it is a piece of cake. It is much easier to try in the lot than in traffic. BTW thats a cool idea about the flag. Maybe cut down an ATV flag, they can take higher speeds. Any other ideas, guys.

 

[armoody]

You guys have covered most everything. My .02 is if you are ever going to go somewhere you wouldn't want to leave the trailer and what ever is on it with a flat that you get a spare tire/wheel (and make sure you have the lug wrench or sockets to fit the lugs with you).
You can get brackets for bolting the spare to the trailer tongue where it will lie flat (the spare tire, that is).
Good chance with a spare you will never have a flat!
PS - always tie down or secure anything you put into it.